A Cambridge start-up fusing action figures and video games has been picked out as a potential star of the games industry.

Dr Richard Wilson, chief executive of The Independent Games Developers Association, better known as TIGA, has been singing the praises of PlayFusion, creator of Lightseekers, a groundbreaking new platform that connects video games, smart action figures, augmented reality and interactive trading cards. The company features as part of a new online promo for the UK’s brightest games talents, produced by TIGA and entitled Changing the Game.

Dr Wilson said: “PlayFusion is set to revolutionise the gaming world next year with its innovative transmedia adventure game Lightseekers. The team are a prime example of how British game development is stepping up and combining games and technology to truly advance the future of interactive storytelling.”

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PlayFusion was founded 20 months ago by former Jagex boss Mark Gerhard. The company’s Lightseekers title is an action and fantasy adventure role-playing game built for mobile and tablet that will be free to download with no in-app purchases. The PlayFusion team has experience developing more than 150 best-selling games, and the company says Lightseekers is reinforced by an epic, ever-changing storyline that will be updated regularly, so there will always be new adventures, new lands and new characters to experience.

“TIGA has been championing UK developers and ensuring that we, as a relatively small nation, can punch above our weight and produce the world’s best games,” said Gerhard.

“Games tax breaks have been a vital lifeline for many studios up and down the country, and its new campaign to develop a Games Investment Fund will help ensure we can secure a bright future for UK developers. We’re delighted that TIGA has recognised the work we are doing and hope that others are inspired by what we do, continuing to push the boundaries to ensure the UK remains the best place to make games.”

As reported in the News, the company successfully raised over $200,000 on Kickstarter to develop Lightseekers. The game is expected to launch next year.